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4 Sunny Terraces For Blue Sky Brunching

Michelle E. ShanghaiWOWeng 2018-12-01



The heat index in Shanghai has been downgraded from “the surface of the sun” to “the devil’s armpit”, meaning that comfortable terrace weather is just around the corner! For all you patio lovers that just can’t wait any longer, here’s our list of the hottest (literally!) outdoor brunches.




Colca


Chef Eduardo Vargas’ latest spot was a runaway hit when it opened last year, and has been a fan favorite ever since.


As all of Shanghai’s storefront eateries slowly get pushed into shopping malls, we are happy to see complexes like Yongping Li thriving. They offer a great alternative to mall dining, without sacrificing too much atmosphere.



Colca is tucked into the middle of the complex on the second level, giving its patio a more private feeling, sheltered from the sounds of street traffic and pedestrians.


The space has a modern Latino design, with stucco walls adorned with Incan-style imagery. The bright orange and turquoise patio seating screams summer, with a mix of dining tables and lounge tables available.



Already a hotspot for dinner, Colca could phone it in for brunch. But they don’t - not at all. They offer thoughtful, unique and delicious plates for those looking for something beyond the de rigueur eggs benedict or omelette.


To this writer’s mind, if there are no eggs, it’s not brunch. Colca echoes this by breaking the menu into “Eggs” and “More Like Lunch” categories, amongst others.


The “Eggs” section includes some burly, meaty plates, perfect for those of us that wake up at noon on Saturday afternoon, ravenous and hungover. The Colca Breakfast (RMB 108) includes venison ribs, for chrissakes! Order it when on the brink of starvation.



For something original, try the Breakfast Tart (RMB 88). This sounds like a dainty dish, but it features a puff pastry piled high with melted Brie, roasted beef tenderloin and topped with a fried egg.



We couldn’t help but notice the abundance of meat on this menu. It’s true, South Americans love their meat - in fact, our Argentine friend once told us that he considers chicken to be practically a vegetable.



On that note, beef lovers can and should indulge in a steak for brunch. The Argentinean Steak (RMB 198) features 200 grams of tri tip, along with potatoes, fresh avocado-tomato salsa, classic chimichurri sauce and a fried egg.



On the lighter side, we love the Mediterranean Tuna (RMB 128), which features nice quality tuna, prepared simply so that it can shine.



Of course, it’s not a trip to Colca without sampling one of their piquant ceviches. We love their bold blend of tiger’s milk, the classic citrus marinade used to make Peruvian ceviche, as well as executive chef Oscar Beltran’s flair for combining textures and flavors. Crispy fresh corn, crunchy corn nuts and soft sweet potato intermingle with bites of perfectly “cooked” seafood in the Ceviche de Colca (RMB 118).


Vegetarians, don’t let this meaty menu deter you. There are some meatless dishes for you to choose from, including some substantial salads.



However, one of our favorite items - meatless or otherwise - is the Superfood Breakfast (RMB 88) which is a hearty bowl of quinoa stew, kale “salteado”, avocado and poached egg. It feels satisfying, yet healthy. Perfect for a post-workout brunch.



We love Colca for listing six desserts on the menu, but really, you’re here for Eduardo’s Flan (RMB 58). This dessert has been on the menu for 15 years, and from what we hear, it hasn’t changed a bit. Perfect texture, perfect amount of caramelization, beautifully garnished… if you go to Colca and don’t eat the flan, did you even really go to Colca?



It must be said that Colca’s cocktails are always, always perfect. Come here for a textbook Pisco Sour (RMB 50). Colca also does two hours of free flow cava during brunch for RMB 150. If you are not in the mood for booze, we also like the Chicha Morada (RMB 35), a traditional Peruvian drink made from purple corn.


Address: 199 Hengshan Lu

Tel: 021 5401 5366

Hours: Tuesday to Thursday, 11am to 12am; Friday to Sunday, 11am to 1am


Funka del Sur



Funka del Sur is continuing in the grand tradition of Funka brunch, but this time in Jing’an. This little sister to Funkadeli serves the same popular brunch on weekends, while adding a few South American touches to the menu.


This space is situated right at the intersection of Wuding Lu and Yanping Lu, an area that is always busy, no matter the time of day. The covered outdoor deck area has high bar tables for grabbing a few drinks during happy hour, as well as dining tables for lazy weekend brunches, while the doors are usually thrown open to let the breeze in to the main dining area.



At first glance, Funka del Sur might seem like a carbon copy of Funkadeli - you’ll see the same red dot motif and graphic prints that are so distinctive to the Funka group. But you’ll also see a dash of Latin decor, like the Incan/Aztec prints on the walls and seating.



That Latin flavor is also injected into the drinks and food. Chef Hugo Rodriguez adds some Latin heat to the menu with dishes such as ceviche, kamado octopus, and empanadas. Alongside the signature Superspritz, you’ll find Pisco Sours, Caipirinhas and mezcal-based cocktails (mezcal is so caliente right now!)


You can build your own brunch set at Funka del Sur, with prices starting at RMB 88 for one main and one side, or RMB 148 for two mains and one side.



Egg-based favorites include poached eggs with ham and eggplant parmigiana, or try the power grain bowl with avocado and a poached egg.



You’ll see old Italian classics like vitello tonnato sharing the table with ceviche, the quintessential South American dish.


If you’ve got a sweet tooth, you’ll want to save room for their French toast with Nutella sauce, caramelized bananas, and ice cream.



Of course, it wouldn’t be Funka without free-flow! It starts at RMB 128 for beer and wine, RMB 158 for Bloody Marys, Moscow Mules or Tuatara craft beers, and RMB 188 for Superspritz, Pisco Sours, Caipirinhas, and a few other cocktails.



As drinks flow, so do the beats. Funka del Sur occasionally features a live DJ during brunch, and that’s when brunch turns into an all-out party. Come for brunch, and stay…all day long!


Address: 163 Yanping Lu

Tel: 6245 6230

Hours: Monday to Sunday, 12pm to 2am


Pop



Come to Pop and be on top of the world. Set on the seventh floor of Three on the Bund, Pop offers one of the most unique views in Shanghai. Pop’s terrace is nestled amongst the domed rooftops of The Bund’s historic buildings, with a sweeping view of futuristic Lujiazui across the river.



Pop’s interior design is nothing to shy away from, either. Modeled after high-end restaurants from 1970’s America, you’ll find classic elements like vintage chandeliers and red leather banquettes. The art gives a cheeky look at the 70’s American lifestyle, with amusing imagery that appears on the walls and even appears in the staff’s bow ties.


The menu is created by the French chef, David Chauveau. He takes the classic French brasserie style - an all-day dining restaurant that serves classic cuisine in a cozy atmosphere - and applies it to American cuisine.



At Pop, you can choose from two brunch sets, each including a bread and pastry basket as well as coffee or tea. Choose one appetizer or main course plus one dessert for RMB 208, or one appetizer, one main course and one dessert for RMB 258. Or, you can order a la carte.



Appetizers (RMB 80) include both hot and cold dishes. On the cold side, opt for the beautifully plated smoked salmon on toast, with cream cheese, shallots, black olives and capers. Or, indulge in the wagyu carpaccio, dressed with harissa mayo and crunchy corn.


From the hot section, we made a beeline for the luxurious truffle scrambled eggs on an english muffin, surrounded by a layer of Serrano ham.



The grilled ham and cheese French toast with caramelized tomato and chili jam is a great savory interpretation of this traditionally sweet dish.



Mains (RMB 130) are from both land and sea. The grilled sea bass with preserved vegetables is a refined option, while Pop’s take on chili dogs are a gourmet version of this classic American dish.


The a la carte menu features swanky options including a chilled seafood tower (RMB 1,480), a tasting of three caviars (RMB 680) or a selection of fresh French oysters starting at RMB 120.



Make sure to save room for dessert (RMB 60) - Pop’s sweets do not disappoint. In this heat, why not go for the ultimate American dessert - an ice cream sundae. Other American classics such as cheesecake served with mixed berries hit the spot. Or, stick to a breakfast favorite with a twist, like the tropical fruit pancakes.



As you dine on the intimate terrace, observing the one-of-a-kind skyline of our fair city, take a sip of your bubbly and rest assured that you are living your best Shanghai life.


Address: 7F, Three on the Bund, No. 3 Zhong Shan Dong Yi Lu

Tel: 021 6321 0909

Hours: Monday to Sunday, 11am to 11pm


Together


Photo credit: Dianping user 米雪食记


Together has been one of the most talked-about and most-loved openings of the year. Maybe it’s their sophisticated yet casual fare, served in a sleek Neri&Hu designed space. Or maybe it’s because their take on French-Asian cuisine is just so damn good.


Whatever it is, kitchen goddesses Bina Yu (Chi-Q), the chef de cuisine, and Kim Melvin (Commune Social), the pastry chef, have been delighting diners since opening earlier this spring.  



The restaurant’s charming brick courtyard is set back from the street, surrounded by a low brick wall. They could really cram the tables in, but instead they give us room to stretch out, with about ten tables arranged under canvas umbrellas to offer some shade. Extra bonus: it’s dog friendly!



You and your pooch can enjoy a sunny afternoon together, admiring leafy Yuyuan Lu while munching on Together’s menu of brunch classics and some of their own creations.


Both Yu and Melvin trained under celebrated Michelin-starred chefs. Even though Together’s overall style leans casual, these chef’s techniques, creativity and attention to detail are still evident.  



The breakfast classics feature sweet breakfast dishes, which make for a nice starter or even a great way to finish a brunch meal. The housemade granola and yogurt (RMB 48) is solid, and the rainbow-colored matcha chia bowl (RMB 58) would definitely look pretty on your Instagram feed, yet it was the ricotta pancake (RMB 88) with its light and airy caramel cream that had everyone at our table swooning.



The menu features nine dishes that are all eggy in one way or another. You can go the traditional route with the big brunch platter (RMB 118), with all the usual breakfast suspects. But we couldn’t resist the thick slice of caramel cream french toast (RMB 98). It’s got a custardy interior and is topped with a marvelous thing called “bacon steak”, plus some caramelized bananas to really gild the lily. It’s a home run for sweet and savory lovers.



The BBQ chicken toast with pankoed soft egg (RMB 78) is an unconventional take on the toast trend. We were intrigued by this chicken and egg combo, and we liked these flavors that straddle the line between breakfast and lunch. But that’s what brunch is all about, right? Similarly, the ratatouille with soft egg, cheese toast and garlic foam (RMB 78) has a foot on each camp. The dish is comforting with homey, French flavors. 



On the more lunch-like side of things, there is the wagyu beef burger (RMB 118) with truffle foie gras and a perfect fried egg. We loved the “black and blue” beef patty - charred crust on the outside, while remaining perfectly rare on the inside. The foie gras got a little lost in the mix, but this burger doesn’t need foie gras to be delicious.



The fish and chips with match stick potatoes and tartar sauce (RMB 98) was a pleasant surprise. The fish is wonderfully crispy and well-seasoned, and the match stick fries are very moreish.


It’s just not brunch without a cocktail. Together’s Lillet tonic bar is a features some nice low-alcohol sippers that are ideal for day drinking. We sampled the bright and refreshing Lillet blossom (RMB 88), made of Lillet Blanc, St. Germain, grapefruit juice, grapefruit bitters and Thomas Henry elderflower tonic.


Photo credit: Dianping user 幸福的吃货666


If you are in it for the long haul, Together also serves some “mug it” seasonal cocktails, such as the together bloody mary (RMB 78/glass, RMB 148/mug).


Address: 546 Yuyuan Lu

Tel: 021 5299 8928

Hours: Monday to Sunday, 11:30am-4pm, 6pm-10pm





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